His message reads: “He looks like he’s about to cry, make it stop.”
I can’t help but smile to myself. But at the same time, this is exactly what I was trying to avoid.
More room to fall. More room to get more attached. More room tofeel.
Fuck.
On impulse, I type in my number.
I really hope I won’t regret this.
When Professor O’Gwen’s class finally lets out, I make my way to the campus union for a hot chai from Starbucks. The air is getting colder by the day and this cup will be my saving grace for the walk home.
Becauseyou better believeI’m going straight home after sending that message.
Fuck class.
I want to be home—where I can give him my full attention.
Just me, thinking about him.
The campus union is the heart of student life—a place to eat, study, talk, and hold meetings. It’s the campushot spot, where everything happens. On the upper levels, they host banquets, career fairs, and other events; but I only ever come in here for one thing: Starbucks. It’s the closest one within walking distance from my dorm and that’s all that matters.
As I make my way inside, I pass the infamous union fountain—where students get hazed or dared to jump in. The catch? If you get caught, it’s an automatic suspension.
I’ve never done it, but one day… maybe.
So far, only two people have actually been caught—Monroe and Lauren. But that’s just because they’reidiots.
They jumped inbroad daylight, practically putting on a show for everyone. Of course, they got caught.
When I do it, it’ll be at night.
No witnesses. No evidence. No suspension.
Just me and the thrill of getting away with it.
I walk into the union, passing a row of booths, and nearly every student I see isknocked out.They’re slumped over their paper notes and laptops, fighting for their life.
Pre-med, I’m guessing.
Andboyam I glad I’m not in that major anymore.
I continue my path to Starbucks and am first in line. I order my hot apple chai with almond milk, then step back outside, savoring the warmth as I start my walk home.
With the way Everest made it sound, you’d think Aspendesperatelyneeded my number. Yet, my phone stays silent.
It’s probably for the best.
If he had texted me already, I’d be too busy staring at my screen to evenfindmy way home.
After a long walk across campus, I finally make it home and change into something comfy. I’m calling it a day—I havezeroplans to leave this room again.
Slipping into my favorite Skims set, I crawl into bed, ready to shut out the world.
Just as I reach for my phone, a notification pops up from an unknown number.
Could it be Aspen?!
